The Carolina Panthers have honored Lancaster High School standout student-athlete Sam Keenan as a 2009 Carolina Panthers Community Captain.

The Carolina Panthers Community Captain program recognizes high school football student-athletes in the Carolinas who excel in the classroom, in the community and on the field.

Keenan, a three-year letterman and two-year starter at tight end for the Bruins, was honored during pre-game festivities at the Panthers’ final regular-season home game with the New Orleans Saints on Sunday at Bank of America Stadium.

The Lancaster Bruins returned home from the “Sweet 16” holiday tournament with a victory to savor Wednesday night.

The Bruins, who finished in a three-way tie for first in the three-day tourney at Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School, capped play with an exciting 83-81 win over First Presbyterian Christian Academy of Hinesville, Ga.

The Highlanders, a two-time Georgia independent Schools state champion, had won 43 straight games, including 13 consecutive wins this season before falling to the Bruins.